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3 | Reference: Ratings and Scales

2 min read

The following section summarizes and compiles various ratings and scales commonly used in this game.

Approach Scores #

Higher is better; determines TN.

  • +0 means no aptitude
  • +1 is average
  • +2 is gifted
  • +3 is expert

Skill Ranks #

Higher is better; determines TN.

  • +0 means no skill literacy
  • +1 is average
  • +2 is gifted
  • +3 is expert

Skill Check Difficulty Modifier #

Determines how challenging a Skill Check is. Difficulty modifiers can be applied based on the overall situation and the following criteria.

  • +1 to TN [Easy] Hero has good tools or ample preparations; the target has poor resistance; or the circumstances favor the action. Picking a lock with no time pressure.
  • +0 to TN [Difficult] The large majority of tasks—the default difficulty. Foraging for berries in the woods.
  • -1 to TN [Very difficult] Hero has inadequate or incorrect tools, or poor preparation; target has effective defenses; or action is high-risk in an unforgiving environment. Reverse-engineering a complex trap under intense time pressure.
  • -2 to TN [Staggeringly difficult] The situation is even worse: current conditions actively hinder the task; the target has resistances specifically against this type of action; or it’s completely mismatched against the circumstances. Sneaking unprepared through the heavily-fortified guard’s barracks.
  • -3 to TN [Impossibly difficult] As difficult as asking a dragon out on a date.

When in doubt, you may also opt to just reduce TN by 1 for each of the conditions below:

  • the hero has insufficient tools, incorrect assumptions, or a relevant impairment.
  • the target of the action has resistances or defenses against this type of action.
  • the action or conditions are perilous, haphazard, or woefully inadequate.

Damage and Defense items #

Directly increases damage (for Damage items) or reduces TN of an attack (for Defense).

  • +1 is average
  • +2 is quite good
  • +3 is tremendously helpful
  • +0 is still useful as the item still counts for Weaponry Skill Checks; otherwise not having a weapon incurs Difficulty.

Spell & Technique Complexity #

Indicates power level and successful Skill Checks (TN = pure Arcana or focus) needed to learn new instance or custom Spell or Technique; one Skill Check per 15 REM.

  • 1 — lowly but useful.
  • 2 — highly useful in day-to-day situations and conflict.
  • 3 — critical and can turn the tide in situations and conflict.
  • 4 — affect the entire world.
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